Mayor’s gift from the heart is a real life-saver

Published: 9:02 AM July 17, 2009

Updated: 8:14 AM October 14, 2020

THE first heart machine bought by the Lord Mayor of London’s appeal in a campaign to place life-saving equipment in offices and public buildings is being handed over this-morning. The campaign eventually aims to put 1,000 defibrulators with trained volunteers in offices in the City, East End and Canary Wharf

THE first heart machine bought by the Lord Mayor of London’s appeal in a campaign to place life-saving equipment in offices and public buildings is being handed over this-morning.

The campaign eventually aims to put 1,000 defibrulators with trained volunteers in offices throughout the City, London’s East End and Canary Wharf.

The first is being given by Alderman Ian Luder to St John Ambulance to be kept at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Moorgate.

CARDIAC ARREST

Defibrillators give immediate aid to save anyone struck with cardiac arrest. They can diagnose and re-establish heart rhythm—but only if applied within three minutes.

There is currently just one machine for every 17,500 of London’s population, researchers have found. The Lord Mayor’s Appeal hopes to boost the number of machines in the City and neighbouring Tower Hamlets over the next few months.

As many as 6,000 Londoners die each year from heart attacks because they don’t get medical help before reaching hospital.